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Conviction
A privileged young woman from the Highlands of Scotland
is transported to a penal settlement in Australia in 1797.
She must survive in a hostile land, and hold on to the hope that she will one day return to her homeland where she will face her father - and reveal a dark secret.
is transported to a penal settlement in Australia in 1797.
She must survive in a hostile land, and hold on to the hope that she will one day return to her homeland where she will face her father - and reveal a dark secret.
322 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 25, 2023
When I saw the cover of this book, I was instantly drawn to it. It had such an ethereal look to it and I love stories about Scotland and this period in time. The author does a good job of weaving in symbolism and creating a story of loss and resilience. I haven't read a lot of stories about the colonization of Australia so this historical fiction really intrigued me. Bess' circumstances kept me reading and I kept waiting for her life to get turned upside down. The switching of POVs throughout the story suddenly did take getting used to and there were no scene breaks in the ebook to indicate when a time jump would happen so sometimes time would pass in the same paragraph all of a sudden and that caught me off guard. The dates at the top of each chapter helped but sometimes it moved too quickly. While I felt for Bess and there were scenes that made me cry, the story is more exposition being told than scenes being shown. I struggled to connect with her because there weren't a whole lot of scenes that showed her dealing with her circumstances and what happened to her. There were moments where she seemed to just be in deep denial that wasn't addressed I felt. I did like the mother and son dynamic and how she found love eventually at the end, but sometimes I didn't feel as grounded in the story as I wanted to be. Still, this was a good read and readers who like historical fiction during this time in history will like this book. 3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2024
I've always been a fan of Bernard Cornwell's historical war narratives, so take this interview with a grain of salt, as I don’t normally read more these more subtle historical personal dramas. That said, Conviction by Carmel McMurdo Audsley offers a refreshingly nuanced take on historical fiction, focusing particularly on the realism of land ownership and personal relationships in the late 1700s. The character development in this novel is especially impressive, with Bess, the protagonist, showcasing a depth that kept me deeply invested in her journey.
The story is set against the rugged and brutal backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and the penal colonies of Australia, and the author has made a sparing but effective use of demotic speech to bring these settings to life – this can be a risk in fiction, but the author is careful not to overdo it too much. Conviction traces Bess's tumultuous life from relative privilege to definite hardship after an unjust conviction sends her across the world. Her resilience and intelligence shine through as she navigates her new life, transforming from a governess to a determined landowner in a foreign land. So essentially, this is a riches to rags to redemption story.
While the novel is remarkably accurate historically, there are moments where the language feels a bit too modern, which can momentarily pull you out of the 18th-century experience. However, these instances are minor compared to the overall authentic feel of the narrative, which is a testament to Audsley’s extensive research and clear understanding of the era.
The depth of Bess’s character is further enriched by her complex relationships, particularly her poignant connection with an indigenous man, which beautifully illustrates the intertwined fates and societal complexities of diverse communities during this transformative period. The author doesn’t try to write for indigenous voices, which is important, but shows a depth of understanding of the issues faced by the indigenous during the early colonial period.
Despite some inconsistent pacing at times, in turn slow and abrupt, Conviction remains a compelling and emotionally resonant read, weaving historical accuracy with rich, character-driven storytelling. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate exploring characters' growth against the challenging backdrop of historical events. I will definitely read some more Audsley in the near future! Highly recommended.
The story is set against the rugged and brutal backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and the penal colonies of Australia, and the author has made a sparing but effective use of demotic speech to bring these settings to life – this can be a risk in fiction, but the author is careful not to overdo it too much. Conviction traces Bess's tumultuous life from relative privilege to definite hardship after an unjust conviction sends her across the world. Her resilience and intelligence shine through as she navigates her new life, transforming from a governess to a determined landowner in a foreign land. So essentially, this is a riches to rags to redemption story.
While the novel is remarkably accurate historically, there are moments where the language feels a bit too modern, which can momentarily pull you out of the 18th-century experience. However, these instances are minor compared to the overall authentic feel of the narrative, which is a testament to Audsley’s extensive research and clear understanding of the era.
The depth of Bess’s character is further enriched by her complex relationships, particularly her poignant connection with an indigenous man, which beautifully illustrates the intertwined fates and societal complexities of diverse communities during this transformative period. The author doesn’t try to write for indigenous voices, which is important, but shows a depth of understanding of the issues faced by the indigenous during the early colonial period.
Despite some inconsistent pacing at times, in turn slow and abrupt, Conviction remains a compelling and emotionally resonant read, weaving historical accuracy with rich, character-driven storytelling. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate exploring characters' growth against the challenging backdrop of historical events. I will definitely read some more Audsley in the near future! Highly recommended.
April 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a remarkable story set across two vastly different continents, separated by half the world. A young Scottish girl, the daughter of a laird, finds herself transported as a convict to New South Wales.
She struggles to survive and build a life in the harsh early days of the penal colony, but she never gives up on her dream of returning to her beloved Highlands. The events she endures, the people she encounters, and the societal attitudes she must navigate—marked by prejudice and hardship—make this a fascinating read. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the author portrays life with honesty, without resorting to moralising or campaigning.
This is a book of contrasts: wealth and poverty, injustice and mercy, kindness and gentleness set against brutality and hopelessness. If you appreciate a story that wraps up with a satisfying, well-rounded ending, you’ll find this a rewarding read.
Having moved from South Africa to my ancestral homeland of Scotland, I found myself able to relate deeply to many of the situations and events the heroine experiences. The attitudes, traditions, and perceptions in the two places are vastly different—yet, throughout the story, themes of decency, respect, friendship, love, loyalty, and courage shine through.
The author does a commendable job of presenting events within their historical context, without sermonising or imposing personal moral ideals. That balance is important: to tell the story as it was, allowing the reader to engage with it on their own terms. It’s essential to approach the book with this mindset, keeping the context front of mind.
As someone from that part of the world herself, the author's style feels well-suited to the subject matter.
She struggles to survive and build a life in the harsh early days of the penal colony, but she never gives up on her dream of returning to her beloved Highlands. The events she endures, the people she encounters, and the societal attitudes she must navigate—marked by prejudice and hardship—make this a fascinating read. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the author portrays life with honesty, without resorting to moralising or campaigning.
This is a book of contrasts: wealth and poverty, injustice and mercy, kindness and gentleness set against brutality and hopelessness. If you appreciate a story that wraps up with a satisfying, well-rounded ending, you’ll find this a rewarding read.
Having moved from South Africa to my ancestral homeland of Scotland, I found myself able to relate deeply to many of the situations and events the heroine experiences. The attitudes, traditions, and perceptions in the two places are vastly different—yet, throughout the story, themes of decency, respect, friendship, love, loyalty, and courage shine through.
The author does a commendable job of presenting events within their historical context, without sermonising or imposing personal moral ideals. That balance is important: to tell the story as it was, allowing the reader to engage with it on their own terms. It’s essential to approach the book with this mindset, keeping the context front of mind.
As someone from that part of the world herself, the author's style feels well-suited to the subject matter.
December 10, 2023
Conviction penned by Carmel McMurdo Audsley is a story set in the late1700's about a brave young woman named Bess who experiences multiple hardships throughout her life. First she experiences a life of privilege at a lord’s estate in the Scottish Highlands but life changes dramatically when she is later (unfairly) found guilty of a petty crime in London which results in her serving a seven-year sentence at the penal colony in Australia.
The strength of this character is her resilience and her focus on finding the solution rather than giving in to the problem (no matter what she has to endure, she does not give up). Bess keeps on keeping on and this is what makes her character a delight for the reader to invest in.
Bess has brains and beauty, and her intelligence shines throughout the story. My favourite trait however, is her dogged determination not to lose faith when she inevitably meets her next hurdle in life (of which there are many).
Bess adopts many roles, first as a governess and later as the caregiver of a young indigenous boy. She works towards gaining her very own homestead in Australia and taking on the farming side of it. Bess can hold her own and is able to brush off the many men who try their best to get close to her. Later on she does fall into a heartfelt relationship with an indigenous man, however they feel unable to make this work due to the social barriers that would make this difficult for them to sustain without ongoing criticism and judgement from others.
Overall this is an enthralling and uplifting read - well done to the author.
The strength of this character is her resilience and her focus on finding the solution rather than giving in to the problem (no matter what she has to endure, she does not give up). Bess keeps on keeping on and this is what makes her character a delight for the reader to invest in.
Bess has brains and beauty, and her intelligence shines throughout the story. My favourite trait however, is her dogged determination not to lose faith when she inevitably meets her next hurdle in life (of which there are many).
Bess adopts many roles, first as a governess and later as the caregiver of a young indigenous boy. She works towards gaining her very own homestead in Australia and taking on the farming side of it. Bess can hold her own and is able to brush off the many men who try their best to get close to her. Later on she does fall into a heartfelt relationship with an indigenous man, however they feel unable to make this work due to the social barriers that would make this difficult for them to sustain without ongoing criticism and judgement from others.
Overall this is an enthralling and uplifting read - well done to the author.
May 2, 2022
This interesting novel is set at the end of the 18th century.
Bess, a well-to-do lass from Scotland goes to stay with her aunt in London, but ends up being falsely arrested for prostitution and transported to New South Wales. After a voyage on a ship festooned with filth and disease, jam-packed with other female convicts, she arrives at the penal colony.
When it is discovered she can read and write, she is placed as a governess to some local children. However, although she is saved from a life of menial toil, she finds herself at the mercy of a mean and brutal master. While trying to adapt to her unenviable situation, she discovers love and respect with an indigenous man and later bears his child. After many years of hardship and her sentenced served, even though the law decrees no one can leave the colony, Bess tries to seek a way to return with her son to her beloved Scotland.
The brave woman’s fight for survival is well documented and the characterization of all the players is good. The description of the places and terrible circumstances in which she finds herself are well depicted.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and think it will be a great read for all lovers of Australia and its turbulent history.
Bess, a well-to-do lass from Scotland goes to stay with her aunt in London, but ends up being falsely arrested for prostitution and transported to New South Wales. After a voyage on a ship festooned with filth and disease, jam-packed with other female convicts, she arrives at the penal colony.
When it is discovered she can read and write, she is placed as a governess to some local children. However, although she is saved from a life of menial toil, she finds herself at the mercy of a mean and brutal master. While trying to adapt to her unenviable situation, she discovers love and respect with an indigenous man and later bears his child. After many years of hardship and her sentenced served, even though the law decrees no one can leave the colony, Bess tries to seek a way to return with her son to her beloved Scotland.
The brave woman’s fight for survival is well documented and the characterization of all the players is good. The description of the places and terrible circumstances in which she finds herself are well depicted.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and think it will be a great read for all lovers of Australia and its turbulent history.
October 31, 2023
"Conviction" is a compelling journey through history and the human spirit. Set against the backdrop of the late 18th century, the story follows a young woman from the Scottish Highlands who finds herself in a nightmarish predicament, transported to the harsh penal colony of Australia.
This historical fiction novel beautifully captures the complexities of the era, painting a vivid picture of a primitive and class-conscious land. The protagonist's struggle for survival in this unforgiving environment is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Audsley skillfully conveys the harsh realities and the indomitable will to persevere in the face of adversity.
What sets "Conviction" apart is the underlying theme of redemption. The protagonist's unwavering hope of one day returning to her homeland, facing her tyrannical father, and revealing a dark secret adds a layer of depth to the narrative. This pursuit of justice and closure resonates with readers on a profound level.
Carmel McMurdo Audsley's writing is both evocative and well-researched, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the time. "Conviction" is a tale of strength, resilience, and the enduring human spirit, making it a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts who appreciate stories of survival and redemption.
This historical fiction novel beautifully captures the complexities of the era, painting a vivid picture of a primitive and class-conscious land. The protagonist's struggle for survival in this unforgiving environment is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Audsley skillfully conveys the harsh realities and the indomitable will to persevere in the face of adversity.
What sets "Conviction" apart is the underlying theme of redemption. The protagonist's unwavering hope of one day returning to her homeland, facing her tyrannical father, and revealing a dark secret adds a layer of depth to the narrative. This pursuit of justice and closure resonates with readers on a profound level.
Carmel McMurdo Audsley's writing is both evocative and well-researched, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the time. "Conviction" is a tale of strength, resilience, and the enduring human spirit, making it a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts who appreciate stories of survival and redemption.
August 22, 2025
I picked up Conviction not fully knowing what to expect, but it pulled me in right away. Carmel McMurdo Audsley has this way of dropping you straight into 19th-century Scotland and Australia so vividly that you almost feel the cold stone walls of the prison or the endless sea during transportation.
The story follows people who’ve been sentenced and sent across the world, and what I really loved is that it doesn’t just focus on the punishments—they’re definitely there, and some parts are heartbreaking—but it also shows the small moments of strength, survival, and even hope. It made me think about how easily lives were changed back then, often for something minor, and how resilience was the only way forward.
The characters feel human and layered, not just victims of history. You see their fear, their grit, and sometimes their ability to find light in really dark circumstances. It’s clear the author did her research, but the writing never feels weighed down—it’s easy to read, immersive, and emotional.
What stuck with me the most was the mix of cruelty and courage. This book doesn’t let you forget how harsh life was, but it also shows that people have always found ways to endure. If you enjoy historical fiction that feels both real and deeply human, this is a great pick.
The story follows people who’ve been sentenced and sent across the world, and what I really loved is that it doesn’t just focus on the punishments—they’re definitely there, and some parts are heartbreaking—but it also shows the small moments of strength, survival, and even hope. It made me think about how easily lives were changed back then, often for something minor, and how resilience was the only way forward.
The characters feel human and layered, not just victims of history. You see their fear, their grit, and sometimes their ability to find light in really dark circumstances. It’s clear the author did her research, but the writing never feels weighed down—it’s easy to read, immersive, and emotional.
What stuck with me the most was the mix of cruelty and courage. This book doesn’t let you forget how harsh life was, but it also shows that people have always found ways to endure. If you enjoy historical fiction that feels both real and deeply human, this is a great pick.
December 13, 2023
"Conviction" presents a historical narrative against the backdrop of 18th-century Australia, tracing the compelling odyssey of a privileged young woman from the Scottish Highlands to a distant penal colony. The novel adeptly delves into the intricacies of survival in an unforgiving environment, intricately weaving the protagonist's aspirations for a homecoming into the harsh fabric of her present reality. The author's commitment to historical precision shines through, providing readers with an authentic portrayal of the societal hierarchies and personal tribulations characterizing this tumultuous epoch. The narrative not only immerses readers in the challenges faced by the protagonist but also invites reflection on the broader dynamics of class structures and individual resilience during this transformative period. As the story unfolds, "Conviction" stands as a meticulous exploration of historical nuance, offering a nuanced lens through which readers can navigate the complexities of an era defined by struggle and the enduring pursuit of hope.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews